Surviving the holidays can be difficult, and everyone's strategies differ. But if you need some help or a refresher, here's your guide.

1. Prep beforehand.

Guess where the landmines will be, so you can anticipate them and possibly even avoid them.

2. Have your priorities in order.

Is it constant booze or civil conversation? If it's most important that your family accept you for who you are, the steps will be different than if avoiding conflict is the end all be all. Is it more important that your parents accept your girlfriend, understand that your career path really is a good choice, or accept that you will not be voting. Best to pick one - one per holiday season.

3. Know what's in your tool belt.

What's your coping mechanism? Will you facetime friends during the lulls or stick your nose in a book?

4. Laughter. Amusement is your best strategy.

Amusement is your best strategy.

5. Know your audience.

Decide who is that one family member you absolutely must avoid AT ALL COSTS.

6. Be yourself, if at all possible.

Maybe your family does accept you! Or maybe you've simply accepted the ins and outs of this labyrinth we call home and decided to let your freak flag fly. Either way, congrats.

7. Present your best self.

Whether it is to your grandmother or your fiance's parents, being on your best behavior cannot hurt. That said...

8. Have fun.

It's your holiday too, after all. These will be your memories and your relationships. Do what you will.

9. Distance yourself.

Try not to take the lunatic ravings of your uncle personally nor seriously.

10. Be prepared to stand up for yourself.

Know when it's time for you to stand up. Know your limits and where your want to stand with your family.

11. Be prepared to stand up for your ideals.

Sometimes we can't stay quiet. What issues will you not let your family rave on and one about this year?

12. Be grateful.

Be thankful. Lather on the compliments.If this is your one time of the year to see your family, make the most of it. They may be crazy, but they're our crazy ones.

13. Remember, there's always something to cheers to!

14. Cheers with booze.

Sometimes you need all of your inhibitions around your family, but sometimes you need to be able to let some things go.

15. Just keep going.